As part of the George Washington Birthday festivities in Alexandria, approximately 20 compatriots from the George Mason, George Washington, and Fairfax Resolves VASSAR Chapters marched in the parade through Old Town Alexandria on 18 Feb.  The group was led by the talented Frederick Town Fife and Drum Corps who provided a moving musical accompaniment.  

​Continuing a long standing tradition, Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton, Virginia conducted an annual Morning Prayer service in memory of George Washington on February 18.  The service followed the same liturgy used by the Church of England in Washington’s time.  The Priest in Charge for Pohick, Rev. Dr. Lynn Ronaldi, delivered the homily.  George Washington Chapter compatriots Bill Bland and Paul Walden served as ushers.  The service was followed by a breakfast in the Parish Hall prepared by the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, followed by guest speaker, Kevin Butterfield, Executive Director of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon.  Submitted by Paul Walden, George Washington Chapter

​Eagle Scout John Yates was awarded a NSSAR Certificate of Recognition at a Court of Honor of BSA Troop 414 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on January 19, 2019.  The certificate was presented by Bob Spencer, Past-President (2013-2014) of the Williamsburg Chapter. 
 
Submitted by:  Harley Stewart

 ​Six Eagle Scouts were awarded a NSSAR Certificate of Recognition at a Court of Honor of BSA Troop 103 at Williamsburg, VA United Methodist Church on January 6, 2019.  The certificates were presented by Bob Spencer, past-president of the Williamsburg Chapter.  Pictured from left front, Bob Spencer, Matthew Orrell, and Kainoa Samuelson.  From left in back, Dan Reeves (Scoutmaster), Alexander Armstrong, Jacob Sandling, Michael Orrell, and Logan Alleman.  Armstrong is only 15 years old.  The other five went through their entire Cub and Boy Scout programs together.  Troop 103 is a truly exceptional BSA troop.  On average, 25% of its scouts achieve Eagle rank - the national average being 6%.  The troop has held a number of six Scout Courts of Honor. 
 
Submitted by:  Harley Stewart

​Curtis Robb and Thad Hartman live in a community of 479 homes in Bristow, VA. They wondered why they were the only identified compatriots. As they asked around at different events, it was obvious many had not heard of the Sons of the American Revolution. It was also surprising to see how few flags were up on Veterans day.
 
Curtis and Thad decided to use the flag Certificate of Commendation as a mechanism to raise awareness of the SAR and provide education about how to correctly fly the flag.
 
After dividing the community in half and surveying approximately 240 houses on a dark night, Thad and Curtis found 12 good examples of well-lit flags standing proud on the west side of the community.
 
Formal invitations for a gathering in the community center were mailed followed up by emails and phone calls. People in the community started asking about the SAR event on the calendar. A small group gathered for coffee and donuts while Thad and Curtis explained different aspects of the SAR. Thad was dressed in his period Ranger uniform. Some certificates were given out at the gathering for those in attendance. The remaining certificates were hand delivered. As you might expect, 11 of the 12 recognized with certificates were military veterans.
 
There is no doubt this event raised the awareness of the SAR in the community. Thad and Curtis are considering doing the second half of the community in 2019. Submitted by Curtis Robb.

​The Rappahannock Chapter recently presented its 2018 "Scout of the Year" Award to Blake Edwards, a truly outstanding young man in our community. Blake, an Eagle Scout pictured here with Essex County Board of Supervisors Member & Scout Leader, John Magruder, received this award in recognition of his strong leadership skills, commitment to community service, patriotism, good character, proven academic ability, and promise for the future.
 

George Mason Chapter President, Ken Morris (left) presents the SAR Flag Certificate to Mr. Joshus Klug (right), Principal of Our Savior Lutheran School in Arlington, VA.  The school teaches children in kindergarten through eighth grade and also operates an award winning preschool.  American History and Patriotic Citizenship are among the school’s primary goals. Submitted by Ken Morris